Backyard or urban farming has become a significant part of modern living. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization promotes urban farming “as a legitimate land use and economic activity.” It estimates that 800 million urban dwellers are practicing some form of agriculture.

In the United States, urban residents have taken to agriculture with enthusiasm. It has become a significant lifestyle trend all over the country. Backyard and window box gardens have always been popular, but city farmers today go beyond small patches tilled in backyards. Gardens are growing in any unused plot, on rooftops, and even in airports. In addition, many neighborhoods now boast greenhouses, chicken coops, and beehives. In some cities, urban farms are started on vacant or abandoned properties as a way of putting those properties to good use, and as a way of increasing access to nutritious food for city residents. Inner city neighborhoods are notorious for “food deserts” where there are very few grocery stores with fresh produce available for residents in the community. Urban farms in those neighborhoods can be a helpful way of expanding food options.

What is driving the renewed interest in growing food? One factor often noted is the trend for eating locally or regionally produced food—the “locavore movement.” Locavores are typically defined as those who eat food made or produced within 100 miles of their homes. This group is motivated by a number of factors. Some are concerned about food origins and safety. Others cite environmental concerns, with local food as one way to reduce carbon footprints. But many are just looking for healthier, tastier food.

Some urban and suburban farmers have interests beyond the food that is produced, and make social, political, and economic arguments. Farming encourages neighbor-to-neighbor commerce, especially where local laws allow selling or bartering food that is homegrown. Growing food in the neighborhood also is associated with increased social and political activity. There are also educational benefits, as city dwellers gain first-hand knowledge of food production and the eco-system.

Many city and local governments have come to understand the many benefits of urban or backyard farming. These governments go beyond merely tolerating the practice and take steps to encourage it by changing zoning ordinances to permit expanded food production. Some local authorities provide a clearinghouse for information about local laws regarding a backyard farm. In other cities, tax breaks are given to property owners who dedicate land to farming.